Diana Boggia: Investing in teen safety

Their immaturity, impulsivity and risk-taking adventures are the result of their brain's undeveloped frontal cortex lobe: the voice of reason and maturity.

Raising a teen is not easy.

Their immaturity, impulsivity and risk-taking adventures are the result of their brain's undeveloped frontal cortex lobe: the voice of reason and maturity.

Some teens follow most of the rules and family expectations, staying within the law, and learning from their friend's mistakes. Others experiment or explore risky situations to learn for themselves.

They may get behind the wheel before they are licensed, ride with a friend who has been drinking, drink and drive, attend parties where drugs and alcohol are served, or host one of their own, while parents are away. Some parents buy or serve alcohol to their children and friends, believing that they can better monitor drinking or keep their kids safe, if drinking is done under their roof. Those parents have and will continue to face lawsuits and jail time.

All it takes is one mistake to change someone's life forever.

Here are 5 tips to help keep your teen safe:

1. Go on a date. Take your teen for ice cream or hot chocolate to explain the rules, expectations and consequences. Decide on logical consequences together. Be very clear, asking that he explain his understanding. By setting aside a special time to go out, your message is sent with great importance, and without household distractions.

2. Schedule computer time together. Explore websites for families and teens that include videos and testimonials from teens. If your teen is resistant, suggest the option that he may review the information alone, while taking notes, and report back to you within a designated time.

3. Share the facts: • Alcohol is a major factor in fatal automobile crashes. • Underage and binge drinking may cause alcohol poisoning, violent behavior and have lasting health effects. • Drinking can lead to sexual assaults and rape. • Kids go to jail.

5. Monitor parties and friends. Don't look the other way. Follow up with phone calls, conversations and consequences.

All it takes is one mistake to change a child's destiny, so enforce the rules you believe in by following up at every turn.

Resources: • Abovetheinfluence.com is a site for teens and families with testimonials, videos and inspiration. • Sadd.org (Students against destructive decisions) offers books and videos, including Reality Gap.• Informedfamilies.org offers talking tips to connect with your teen, as well as a free newsletter.

Diana Boggia, M.Ed., is a parenting coach who lives in Stark County. She is author of "Parenting with a Purpose." Send your child-rearing questions to FamilyMatters@cantonrep.com or The Repository, c/o Family Matters, 500 Market Ave. S, Canton, OH 44702. Find parenting resources at her website, www.yourperfectchild.com.�